Free Slocum and the Diamond City Affair (9781101612118) by Jake Logan

men’s demise. No one said who shot which one. They weren’t the first criminals who met Wells Fargo’s idea of justice. Just talking about robbing a stage or holding up a bank was enough to sign your own death warrant. One night four unemployed ranch hands were overheard talking about pulling a stage robbery. They rode out of town and were never heard of again.
    Slocum knew even more stories about the power of the Clantons. The express agents no doubt were looking hard for the buckboard that had disappeared on its way to Nogales.
    Come daylight, Slocum rode for Gleason on his Roman-nosed horse. Midmorning he reached the town, which was sleepier than Tombstone, and went into the local saloon. At the bar, he ordered a beer and could not see Ike among the loafers. Some famous gunman from Texas sat at a dimly lit poker game. Slocum knew him well enough to nod to, then he turned back to ask the barkeep about a horse trader.
    The thin man in the soiled apron gave him directions to Herman Roach’s place. Roach was supposed to have some saddle horses for sale. Slocum paid for his beer with a dime and left the sour-smelling saloon. Grateful to be outdoors, he rode up the creek and soon found a steam-driven sawmill and ranch. Under a cowboy hat and wearing overalls, a big man headed down the hill when he caught sight of Slocum as the large blade whined through some sweet-smelling saw logs.
    â€œMy name’s Roach. What can I do for you?” the big man asked, offering his large paw to shake Slocum’s hand.
    â€œI need a saddle horse for a lady.”
    â€œI’ve got a nice bay gelding. Five years old, he’s been rode a lot on a ranch, but he’s sound. Might do.”
    â€œHow much is he?”
    â€œTwenty-five.”
    â€œA saddle?”
    â€œI don’t have any new ones, but I got a good used one for twenty bucks. It’s sound and it’ll do.”
    The gelding was easily caught and acted all right when Slocum checked him out in the corral. He led him out and then tossed the worn saddle blankets on, followed by the well-used saddle. Rosa would be proud of the deal, and he paid Roach the forty-five dollars. They shook hands and the big man shoved his hat back.
    â€œWhat brings you to this country?”
    â€œI’m looking for a Thoroughbred stud and mare that were stolen in Tucson and brought over here.”
    â€œWho stole him?”
    â€œI’m not sure, but I think Ike Clanton has him now.”
    Roach’s eyes narrowed. “Watch that back shooter. He’s crooked as a snake.”
    â€œOh, I intend to. I know Ike—real well.”
    â€œDidn’t figure that you were any dude just wandering around looking for gold sticking out of the ground. Good luck getting your horses back.”
    â€œThanks, I’ll need it before this is over.”
    He rode back to Jim’s place and arrived after sundown. Rosa rushed out and looked at the horse he led in the stream of light from the doorway. “He’s a damn nice horse.”
    â€œHe’s yours.” He tossed her the reins.
    â€œOh, how nice. What’s his name?” she asked.
    â€œCall him what you want. He won’t come when you call it out anyway.” He laughed at her and shook his head. She gave him a frown and led the bay off to put him in the corral.
    He trailed along after her. “Anything new happen here today?”
    She shook her head and he stepped in to take off the saddle for her.
    â€œI guess we’ll go to the horse races and see what we can learn.”
    â€œIt could be dangerous.” She closed the gate behind the horse.
    â€œEverything’s dangerous.” He herded her back to the house.

7
    The racetrack was a dusty place in the valley. Wagons, buggies, and horseback riders were all headed for the site, churning up clouds of dirt with all their activity. Bicycle riders were weaving in and out of the crowd. Everyone was headed for the flat